The last playing session of the PNB Fours Championship 2026, held last Sunday, brought tense results, where the final shot often proved to be the deciding moment. Some teams secured their place in the sections by achieving three wins and accumulating nine points, while others eagerly awaited the final outcomes as overall scores determined who would advance through the highly competitive sections.
The intensity of the competition was clearly demonstrated in the third match of the women's tournament in Section 2 at Westville CC. In it, the Stella Park team, consisting of Glenda Matthews, Natalie Botha, Kim Christensen, and Brenda Olivier, faced the Hillcrest team, which included Fikile Vilakazi-Alberts, Cindy Russ, Joanne Phagan, and Shan Trimborne.
When Stella Park held a slight lead of 16–15, the final end brought drama worthy of a decisive match. After Stella Park won the match, Olivier sent the jack directly into the ditch. In response, the Hillcrest team, led by Trimborne, did the same, also sending the jack into the ditch.
After this, the jack was placed on the two-meter mark, increasing the pressure. Olivier's second shot brought another dramatic turn: she sent the jack into the ditch and held the shot, leaving Hillcrest with a serious task. However, Phagan remained calm. Her two shots were aimed at the ditch, putting Hillcrest in a strong position and threatening to completely change the course of the match.
Botha from Stella Park responded brilliantly, eliminating one of Hillcrest's guarding stones to level the score. Nevertheless, Hillcrest captain Vilakazi-Alberts was not willing to concede an advantage. She calmly replaced the stone, restoring Hillcrest's two-stone advantage. The Hillcrest team made an incredible turnaround, winning the final end 17–16 and securing their spot in the eight for Saturday.
This final demonstrated how demanding fours can be: four players, two stones each, and no room for error when the pressure reaches a critical point.
The weekend rounds will begin on Saturday, September 19th. Male section winners should know that, with the exception of John Connellan's Stella Park team, play will start at 8:30 AM at Westville CC. Connellan and his team must arrive at 10:00 AM for an 11:00 AM start.
In the women's championship, teams from Hillary, Lady Umhlali under Elana Friesell, Lady Westville CC under Cindy Etherington, and the Hillcrest girls under Claire Murray will start playing at 8:30 AM, while the other participants must arrive at Westville CC by 10:00 AM.
The next day, Wayne Roberts from Hillcrest and Susan Nell from Amanzimtoti will fly to Johannesburg to join the Protea team heading to Lusaka, Zambia, for the African Nations Tournament from September 24th to 27th. Wayne will participate in singles and doubles matches with John Molupi, and Susan will join the management group, taking on the important role of women's division coach.
As Wayne, Susan, and the Protea team head to Zambia, the entire PNB family will proudly watch and cheer them on. We wish the South African team all the best in Lusaka. May you throw with confidence, accuracy, and determination, enjoy the experience, and carry the Protea flag high. Good luck to the whole team!